Gonzalez has an officer interested in taking on the added responsibility for training and caring for the new K-9 officer.

Officer safety is one of the key reasons Gonzalez recommended the program. The Willits police are involved in a number of foot chases each year across the back woods and fields around Willits. A number of these have involved felons believed to be armed and dangerous. A trained K-9 can make short work of the chase, apprehending such suspects with minimal risk to the officers.

While Gonzalez expects to cover the costs to purchase, train and outfit a new K-9 from city asset forfeiture funds, he expects the ongoing costs to be cost neutral.

Willits police historically had a K-9 program but it dissolved due to personnel changes and budget cuts. Such programs require a 24-hour per day commitment by the human officer in the K-9 team to the dog's welfare and training. The service K-9 becomes an integral member of the officer's family.

Gonzalez expects it will take a few months to recruit a suitable canine and begin the training.